Touch input device and method for manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A touch input device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The touch input device includes: a first base including a metal compound; a first pattern groove formed over one surface of the first base; a first sense pattern formed over the first pattern groove and including a conductive material; a second base stacked over the first base, and configured to include a metal compound; a second pattern groove formed over one surface of the second base; a second sense pattern formed over the second pattern groove, including a conductive material, and spaced apart from the first sense pattern; and a line unit connecting the first sense pattern and the second sense pattern to an integrated-circuit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean PatentApplication Nos. 10-2015-0130586 and 10-2016-0085426, respectively filedon Sep. 15, 2015 and Jul. 6, 2016 in the Korean Intellectual PropertyOffice, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a touch inputdevice and a method for manufacturing the same and, more particularly,to a touch input device in which an electrode is installed using laserprocessing and a method for manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various methods for implementing touch input devices configured to beoperated by a user's touch have been widely used, including, forexample, a resistive method, a capacitive method, a surface ultrasonicmethod, a transmitter method, etc. The capacitive-based touch inputdevice, in particular, forms electrode patterns to cross each other.When an input part, such as a user's finger, touches thecapacitive-based touch input device, the capacitive-based touch inputdevice detects a touch input position by detecting change of capacitancebetween electrodes. Alternatively, the other capacitive-based touchinput device applies action potentials having the same phase to bothends of a transmission conductive film, and detects a touch inputposition by detecting a weak current flowing when capacitance is formedby a touch input part (e.g., a finger) contacting or approaching thetouch input device.

Generally, the touch input device is formed of a two-panel stackedstructure in which a first panel is bonded to a second panel throughadhesive. The first panel may include a plurality of first sensepatterns arranged over a first substrate in a first direction (e.g.,X-axis direction) and a plurality of first metal patterns electricallyconnected to a sensor circuit calculating the position of the firstsense patterns. The second panel may include a plurality of second sensepatterns arranged over a second substrate in a second direction (e.g.,Y-axis direction) and a plurality of second metal patterns electricallyconnected to a sensor circuit calculating the position of the secondsense patterns.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2008-0110477 has disclosed asimilar capacitive touch panel having a one-film and double-layeredstructure.

In addition, various methods for manufacturing the touch input deviceshave been widely used, including, for example, a method of using anindium tin oxide (ITO) film acting as a transparent electrode for touchpanel application, a method of using a metal mesh, a method of using aflexible printed circuit board (FPCB), etc. However, the above-mentionedmanufacturing processes require a plurality of fabrication processes,resulting in processes that are complicated and expensive fabricationcosts. Specifically, the ITO-based fabrication process uses rare-earths,and such production costs greatly increase due to the use of high-pricedmaterials.

In addition, the conventional fabrication processes are configured touse the adhesive or bonding method, so that the conventional fabricationprocesses are vulnerable to external vibration and impact or high heat.As a result, durability of products is deteriorated, and it is difficultto apply the conventional fabrication processes to other devices inwhich vibration or high heat occurs.

SUMMARY

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a touch inputdevice capable of forming an electrode without using an adhesive orbonding method, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows and, in part, will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a touchinput apparatus includes: a first base including a metal compound; afirst pattern groove formed over one surface of the first base; a firstsense pattern formed over the first pattern groove and including aconductive material; a second base stacked over the first base, andconfigured to include a metal compound; a second pattern groove formedover one surface of the second base; a second sense pattern formed overthe second pattern groove, including a conductive material, and spacedapart from the first sense pattern; and a line unit connecting the firstsense pattern and the second sense pattern to an integrated-circuit.

The first sense pattern and the second sense pattern may beperpendicular to each other on the basis of the second base interposedtherebetween.

The touch input apparatus may further include: a controller configuredto receive signals regarding capacitance of the first sense pattern andthe second sense pattern so as to interpret an input touch signal.

The first sense pattern may include a plurality of columns; the secondsense pattern may include a plurality of columns perpendicular to thefirst sense pattern on the basis of the second base interposed betweenthe first and second sense patterns; and the controller may beconfigured to interpret the input touch signal through capacitanceinformation received from a plurality of intersection parts at which thefirst sense pattern and the second sense pattern are formed to crosseach other.

Each of the first and second bases may include: a resin including atleast one of: Polycarbonate (PC), Polyamide (PA), andacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS); and a metal oxideincluding at least one of magnesium (Mg), chrome (Cr), copper (Cu),barium (Ba), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al).

The first base may be coated over a surface formed of resin, glass, orleather.

A lower part of the first sense pattern may be accommodated in the firstpattern groove formed over a front surface of the base and an upper partof the first sense pattern protrude from the surface of the first base;and a lower part of the second sense pattern may be accommodated in thesecond pattern groove formed over the surface of the base, and an upperpart of the second sense pattern protrude from the surface of the secondbase.

A half of the first sense pattern may be accommodated in the firstpattern groove, and the remaining half of the first sense pattern mayprotrude from one surface of the first base; and a half of the secondsense pattern may be accommodated in the second pattern groove, and theremaining half of the second sense pattern may protrude from one surfaceof the second base.

The first base may have a thickness of X mm. The first sense pattern mayprotrude from one surface of the first base by a thickness of a μm, andthe second sense pattern may be recessed from one surface of the secondbase by a thickness of b μm. The thickness (Y μm) of the second base maysatisfy the following equation 1,

(a+b) μm<Y μm<−1210 μm*2(X mm−−1.0 mm)/1 mm+1350 μm.  [Equation 1]

The first sense pattern may protrude from one surface of the first baseby a thickness of 10 μm, and the second sense pattern may be recessedfrom one surface of the second base by a thickness of 10 μm.

The first base may have a thickness range of 10 mm<X<1.55 mm.

The first base may have a thickness of 1 mm. The first sense pattern mayprotrude from one surface of the first base by a thickness of 10 μm, andthe second sense pattern may be recessed from one surface of the secondbase by a thickness of 10 μm. The thickness (Y μm) of the second basemay satisfy the following equation 2,

20 μm<Y μm<1350 μm.  [Equation 2]

The first base may have a thickness of 1.5 mm. The first sense patternmay protrude from one surface of the first base by a thickness of 10 μm,and the second sense pattern may be recessed from one surface of thesecond base by a thickness of 10 μm. The thickness (Y μm) of the secondbase may satisfy the following equation 3,

20 μm<Y μm<140 μm.  [Equation 3]

Each of the first sense pattern and the second sense pattern may beintegrated with the line unit.

The first base may be formed to extend to a region in which the lineunit is provided.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a touchinput apparatus includes: a first base, a top surface of which is usedas a touch surface to which a touch signal is input, and configured toinclude a metal compound; a first pattern groove formed over a bottomsurface of the first base; a first sense pattern formed in the firstpattern groove, and configured to include a conductive material; asecond base stacked over the bottom surface of the first base, andconfigured to include a metal compound; a second pattern groove formedover the bottom surface of the second base; and a second sense patternformed in the second pattern groove, including a conductive material,and spaced apart from the first sense pattern.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a touchinput apparatus includes: a basic material, a top surface of which isused as a touch surface to which a user's touch signal is input; a firstbase stacked over a bottom surface of the basic material, and configuredto include a metal compound; a first pattern groove formed over a bottomsurface of the first base; a first sense pattern formed in the firstpattern groove, and configured to include a conductive material; asecond base stacked over the bottom surface of the first base, andconfigured to include a metal compound; a second pattern groove formedover a bottom surface of the second base; and a second sense patternformed in the second pattern groove, including a conductive material,and spaced apart from the first sense pattern.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod for manufacturing a touch input apparatus includes: providing afirst base including a metal compound; forming a first pattern groove byirradiating laser light to one surface of the first base; forming afirst sense pattern in the first pattern groove through a plating ordeposition process; stacking a second base including a metal compoundover the first base; forming a second pattern groove by irradiatinglaser light to one surface of the second base; forming a second sensepattern spaced apart from the first sense pattern over the secondpattern groove through a plating or deposition process; and providing acurrent to the first and second sense patterns, determining a change ofcapacitance between the two sense patterns, and determining whether thetwo sense patterns are used as a sensor on the basis of the determinedchange of capacitance.

The method may further include: determining a change of mutualcapacitance between the first and second sense patterns, and determiningwhether the first and second sense patterns are capable of being used asa sensor according to the determined change of mutual capacitance.

The first sense pattern and the second sense pattern may be formed by aLaser Directing Structuring (LDS) method.

The method may further include: investigating whether the second basehas a constant thickness after stacking the second base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent andmore readily appreciated from the following description of theembodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings ofwhich:

FIG. 1 is a structural view illustrating electrode arrangementappearance of a touch input device according to a first embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the touch inputdevice according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the touch input device inwhich a touch unit is formed to have a curved surface according to afirst embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the touch input devicetaken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of thetouch input device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the touchinput device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7 to 13 illustrate methods for manufacturing the touch inputdevice according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

In more detail, FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method forpreparing a first base, FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating amethod for fabricating a first pattern groove, FIG. 9 is a conceptualdiagram illustrating a method for forming a first sense pattern, FIG. 10is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for stacking a secondbase, FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method forfabricating a second pattern groove, FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagramillustrating a method for forming a second sense pattern, and FIG. 13 isa conceptual diagram illustrating a method for stacking a coating layer.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of thetouch input device according to the first embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch input deviceaccording to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of thetouch input device according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the touchinput device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch input deviceaccording to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of thetouch input device according to the third embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the touchinput device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating sense patterns of the touch inputdevice according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating one example of a surface of a nonzeroGaussian curvature to which a touch input device is mounted according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a vehicle's door trim to which a touchinput device is mounted according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description of the present disclosure, adetailed description of known functions and configurations incorporatedherein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of thepresent disclosure rather unclear. In the drawings, elements unrelatedto the embodiments of the present disclosure are omitted for clarity andthe size of the components may be exaggerated for easy understanding.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items.

Additionally, it is understood that one or more of the below methods, oraspects thereof, may be executed by at least one controller. The term“controller” may refer to a hardware device that includes a memory and aprocessor. The memory is configured to store program instructions, andthe processor is specifically programmed to execute the programinstructions to perform one or more processes which are describedfurther below. Moreover, it is understood that the below methods may beexecuted by an apparatus comprising the controller in conjunction withone or more other components, as would be appreciated by a person ofordinary skill in the art.

The touch input device may be configured in the form of a touchpad ortouch panel. The touch input device may receive an input signal throughcontact (or approach) of an input unit, such as a user's finger, astylus, or the like, and may recognize the contact (or approach)position.

The touchpad has been generally used as an input unit of laptops or thelike, and has recently been used as an input unit of vehicles. The touchpanel is a kind of an interactive graphic input device through which theuser who views a display screen can directly designate a desiredposition.

FIG. 1 is a structural view illustrating a touch input device 100according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a structural view illustrating electrode arrangementappearance of a touch input device 100 according to a first embodimentof the present disclosure. In more detail, FIG. 1 is a plan viewillustrating a method for operating the touch input device 100, althoughdifferent from the actual view. The touch input device 100 may include atouch unit 10 configured to contact a user input unit (e.g., a finger ora touch pen); sense patterns (120, 140) incorporated with the touch unit10 or located below the touch unit 10; and a line (or wiring) unit 30and a connection pad 40 connected to the sense patterns (120, 140).

The sense patterns (120, 140) may include a first sense pattern 120 anda second sense pattern 140. The first sense pattern may be atransmission (Tx) electrode, and the second sense pattern may be areception (Rx) electrode.

Each of the first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 maybe formed to have a predetermined pattern in such a manner that thefirst sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 can detect thechange of capacitance when the user contacts (or touches) the touchinput device 100 using his or her finger, the touch pen, or the like. Inthis case, the contact (or touch) may include direct contact (or directtouch) and indirect contact (or indirect touch). In other words, thedirect contact may indicate that an object contacts the touch inputdevice 100, and the indirect contact may indicate that the object doesnot directly contact the touch input device 100 and approaches the touchinput device 100 within a specific range within which the sense patternscan detect the object.

The touch input device 100 may use both the mutual capacitance schemeand the self capacitance scheme as necessary. The self capacitancescheme may detect change of capacitance using only one electrode foreach basic pixel. If multiple touch actions are not needed, the touchinput device 100 may use the self capacitance scheme. The mutualcapacitance scheme may detect the change of capacitance formed at anintersection point of the sense patterns formed in a grid electrodestructure. Accordingly, the multiple touch actions can be applied to thetouch input device 100 when using the mutual capacitance scheme.

The first sense pattern 120 may be arranged in a first direction (i.e.,horizontal direction) while being divided into a predetermined number ofsections in the first direction, and the second sense pattern 140 may bearranged in a different direction (i.e., vertical direction) from thefirst direction while being divided into a predetermined number ofsections in the different direction.

The first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 may beformed over different layers, and form an intersection unit 11. In theintersection unit 11, the first sense pattern 120 and the second sensepattern 140 may overlap with each other on the basis of an insulationunit interposed therebetween, without directly contacting each other.

The intersection unit 11 may decide resolution of the touch unit 10, andmay be recognized as coordinates. That is, one case in which the inputunit contacts a first intersection unit 11 and the other case in whichthe input unit contacts the other intersection unit 11 adjacent to thefirst intersection unit 11 may be distinguished from each other. Inaddition, it can also be recognized which intersection unit 11 contactsthe intersection unit 11, such that the position of the contactedintersection unit 11 can be recognized. Therefore, as the number ofintersection units 11 increases in the same-sized region, the resolutionof the touch unit 10 also increases.

One end of each of the first and second sense patterns (120, 140) may beconnected to the line unit 30 formed of metal lines or the like. Aconnection pad 40 may be provided at one end of the line unit 30, andeach line unit 30 may be connected to a circuit substrate (not shown)through the connection pad 40.

A connection unit 20 may be provided at one end of the first or secondsense pattern 120 or 140. Since the connection unit 20 is formed widerthan each of the first and second sense patterns (120, 140), the lineunit 30 is electrically and easily coupled to the first and second sensepatterns (120, 140). The connection unit 20 and the line unit 30 may bebonded to each other through a conductive adhesive (e.g., solder).

The line unit 30 may transmit a sense signal of each sense pattern tothe circuit substrate through the connection pad 40. The line unit 30and the connection pad 40 may be formed of a conductive material.

If the input unit contacts one region of the touch unit 10, capacitanceof the intersection unit 11 is reduced, information regarding thecapacitance arrives at the circuit substrate acting as a controllerthrough the line unit 30 and the connection pad 40, and the controllermay recognize the contact position of the input unit. In addition,assuming that the input unit approaches one region of the touch unit 10,capacitance of the input unit may also be reduced. In this case, thecontroller may determine the approach position of the input unit.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the touch inputdevice 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the touch input device 100 may include a first base110 including a first pattern groove 111, a first sense pattern 120plated or deposited over the first pattern groove 111, a second base 130stacked over the first base 110 and configured to include the secondpattern groove 131, a second sense pattern 140 plated or deposited overthe second pattern groove 131, and an insulation layer 150 configured toinsulate the second sense pattern 140.

The first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 may berespectively formed over the first base 110 and the second base 130according to the Laser Directing Structuring (LDS) scheme. In this case,according to the LDS scheme, a support member is formed of anonconductive and chemically stable metal compound, some parts of thesupport member are exposed to UltraViolet (UV) laser or excimer laser,chemical combination of the metal compound is decomposed to expose ametal seed, and the support member is metalized such that a conductivestructure is formed in the vicinity of a laser exposure part of thesupport member. Representative examples of the above-mentioned LDSscheme have been disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 374667,Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2001-40872, and Korean PatentApplication Publication No. 2004-21614, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

The first and second sense patterns (120, 140) may be formed of aconductive material, for example, metal. Specifically, the first orsecond sense pattern 120 or 140 may be formed of copper (Cu) from amongmetal materials in consideration of conductivity and economicefficiency. In addition, the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140may also be formed of gold (Au) instead of copper (Cu) as necessary.

In addition, the plating and depositing process used as a method forforming the first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 iswell known to those skilled in the art, and as such a detaileddescription thereof will herein be omitted for convenience ofdescription.

In a broad sense, the plating process may be a process for plating thesurface of a target object with a thin metal layer. In this case, theplating process may conceptually include the deposition process. In alimited sense, the plating process may allow ionized metal toselectively adhere to the metal seed located at the surface in which thepattern is formed. The deposition process may allow a metal material ofa plasma state to adhere to the surface in which the pattern is formedin a high-temperature vacuum state. In this case, the metal material mayselectively adhere only to the pattern using the masking process. Inaddition, the plating process for use in the present disclosure mayinclude a deposition-plating process corresponding to a combination ofthe plating process and the deposition process.

Meanwhile, the first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140may be formed by 3D electrode patterning. For example, electrodecovering may be achieved when a nozzle moves along coordinate values ofthe first and second sense patterns (120, 140).

The first sense pattern 120 may be extended in the first direction(i.e., the horizontal direction in the drawings), and a plurality offirst sense patterns 120 may be grouped into one column as necessary. Inaddition, the second sense pattern 140 may be extended in the seconddirection (i.e., the vertical direction in the drawings) perpendicularto the first direction, and a plurality of second sense patterns 140 maybe grouped into one column. However, it should be noted that a crossingangle between the first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern140 is not limited to a vertical angle.

The first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 may includesuccessive connection of diamond-shaped patterns. However, thesuccessive connection pattern is not limited to the diamond shape, andmay include various other shapes as necessary. The neighboringdiamond-shaped patterns may be interconnected by a connection unit, andthe connection unit may be formed in a bridge shape configured tointerconnect two patterns.

The first base 110 and the second base 130 may include a metal oxidecompound. For example, the first base 110 and the second base 130 may beformed of a compound including a resin and a metal oxide. Here, theresin may include at least one of polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA),and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and the metal oxidemay include at least one of: magnesium (Mg), chrome (Cr), copper (Cu),barium (Ba), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al).

A first pattern groove 111 including the first sense pattern 120 thereinmay be formed at one surface of the first base 110, and a second patterngroove 131 including the second sense pattern 140 therein may be formedat one surface of the second base 130. That is, the first sense pattern120 and the second sense pattern 140 may be respectively provided in thefirst pattern groove 111 and the second pattern groove 131.

The first pattern groove 111 may be formed by irradiating laser light toone surface of the first base 110, and the second pattern groove 131 maybe formed by irradiating laser light to one surface of the second base130. In this case, the first and second bases (110, 130) may be reduced(or deoxidized) into metal due to heat generated through grooveformation, the part reduced to metal may form a metal seed in each ofthe first and second pattern grooves (111, 131).

The first and second sense patterns (120, 140) may be plated over thefirst and second pattern grooves (111, 131), respectively. This platingprocess over the metal seed is well known to those skilled in the art,and as such a detailed description thereof will herein be omitted forconvenience of description. Alternatively, the first and second sensepatterns (120, 140) may also be formed by a deposition process.Alternatively, the first and second sense patterns (120, 140) may alsobe formed by combining the plating process with the deposition process.For convenience of description and better understanding of the presentdisclosure, the following description may assume that the first andsecond sense patterns (120, 140) are basically formed by the platingprocess.

The first and second sense patterns (120, 140) may include a copper (Cu)plating layer, and may plate the copper (Cu) plating layer with nickel(Ni), such that the first and second sense patterns (120, 140) can beantioxidation-processed. In addition, assuming that gold (Au) plating isused, conductivity of the first and second sense patterns (120, 140) canbe increased.

Meanwhile, the first and second bases (110, 130) may be coated over onesurface of a basic (or parent) material (not shown) formed of varioussubstances. The basic material may include resin, glass, leather,rubber, or the like. The basic material may be formed to have a stiff orelastic surface. In addition, the basic material may become hardened sothat the basic material becomes rigid or flexible. The basic materialmay be formed by injection molding. For example, the basic material maybe injection-molded so that the first or second base 110 or 130 may beformed in various shapes. In addition, the first and second bases (110,130), each of which includes a metal oxide material, may be coated overthe top or bottom surface of the basic material.

The insulation layer 150 may be stacked over one surface of the secondbase 130 so as to insulate the second sense pattern 140. Alternatively,the insulation layer 150 may be omitted as necessary.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touchinput device 100 may allow one surface (i.e., the top surface of FIG. 2)of the insulation layer 150 to be used as a touch surface. For example,the second base 130 and the second sense pattern 140 may be arranged atthe other surface of the insulation layer 150.

In this case, the insulation layer 150 may be used as a coating layer.The insulation layer 150 may prevent the second sense pattern 140 frombeing exposed to the outside such that interference caused by pollutantsor contaminants can be prevented. The insulation layer 150 may be formedof a transparent or non-transparent material. For example, theinsulation layer 150 may be UltraViolet(UV)-coated.

Alternatively, the insulation layer 150 may be formed of resin, glass,or the like. In addition, the insulation layer 150 may also be formed ofleather, rubber, or the like. The insulation layer 150 may be formed ofan injection-molded material. For example, the insulation layer 150 maybe formed by injection of a resin including PC (Polycarbonate), PA(Polyamide), and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer).

In addition, according to another embodiment, the touch input device 100may allow the other surface (i.e., the bottom surface of FIG. 2) of thefirst base 110 to be used as a touch surface. For example, the firstsense pattern 120 and the second base 130 may be provided at one surfaceof the first base 110, and the back surface of the first base 110 may beprovided as a touch surface. In this case, the downward direction shownin FIG. 2 may be a direction along which the touch action is achieved.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the touch input device 100 inwhich the touch unit 10 is formed to have a curved surface according toa first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is across-sectional view illustrating the touch input device taken along theline A-A shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the touch input device 100 according to thefirst embodiment may include the touch unit 10 formed in a curved shape.The first and second sense patterns (120, 140) may be curved along acurvature of the touch (or contact) surface.

The curved surface of the touch unit 10 may include a curved surfacehaving a constant curvature and the other curved surface having achanging curvature. In addition, the curved surface of the touch unit 10may include a curved surface including two or more curvatures and theother curved surface, the curved (or bent) direction of which is changedaccording to coordinates. In addition, the touch unit 10 may have abroken-lined (or sharp-edged) surface. For example, the touch unit 10may also be formed by concatenation of edges (or corners).

The first base 110 may be coated over one surface of the basic material170. The basic material 170 may be formed of resin, glass, or the like.In addition, the basic material 170 may also be formed of leather,rubber, or the like. The basic material 170 may be formed of aninjection-molded material. For example, the basic material 170 may beformed by injection of a resin including PC (Polycarbonate), PA(Polyamide), and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer).

The first base 110 may include a curved surface at one end thereof. Forexample, one surface of the first base 110 may have some parts of aspherical surface. The first pattern groove 111 may be formed over thecurved surface of the first base 110. In this case, since the firstpattern groove 111 is formed by laser light, the first pattern groove111 having a complicated shape may be formed irrespective of the shapeof the first base 110.

The first sense pattern 120 may be plated over the first pattern groove111. In this case, the first sense pattern 120 may be platedirrespective of the shape of the first pattern groove 111 according tocharacteristics of the plating process. The first sense pattern 120 canbe easily plated over the first pattern groove 111 even when the firstpattern groove 111 is not formed in a straight or planar shape.

The second base 130 may be formed to a predetermined thickness over thefirst base 110. Therefore, a curved shape corresponding to curvature ofthe first base 110 may be formed over one surface of the second base130. The second pattern groove 131 may be formed over the curved surfaceof the second base 130. In this case, since the second pattern groove131 is formed by laser light, the second pattern groove 131 having acomplicated shape may be formed irrespective of the shape of the secondbase 130.

The second sense pattern 140 may be plated over the second patterngroove 131. In this case, the first sense pattern 140 may be platedirrespective of the shape of the second pattern groove 131 according tocharacteristics of the plating process. The second sense pattern 140 canbe easily plated over the second pattern groove 131 even when the secondpattern groove 131 is not formed in a straight or planar shape.

In addition, a connection unit connected to the line unit 30 may belocated at one side of the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140. Theconnection unit may be electrically coupled to each sense pattern, andmay be formed wider than each sense pattern 120 or 140. In addition, theconnection unit may be soldered to the line unit 30 such that theconnection unit can be electrically coupled to the line unit 30.

Alternatively, i.e., different from the drawings, the first and secondsense patterns (120, 140) may be incorporated with the line unit 30.That is, although the first and second sense patterns (120, 140) areprovided only in the touch unit 10, it should be noted that each sensepattern may be extended to the external region of the touch unit 10 sothat it can be directly coupled to the connection pad 40 withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

The first base 110 or the second base 130 may be formed to extend to aregion in which the line unit 30 is provided. For example, the firstsense pattern 120 and the line unit 30 may be formed over the first base110, the second base 130 may be deposited over the first base 110 tocover the first sense pattern 120, the second sense pattern 140 may beformed over the second base 130, and the second sense pattern may beconnected to the line unit 30.

Finally, the insulation layer 150 for preventing the second sensepattern 140 from being exposed to the outside may be coated. One surfaceof the insulation layer 150 may be used as the touch unit 10.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example 100-1 ofthe touch input device shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, one surface of the basic material 170 may be usedas the touch unit 10. The first base 110 may be coated over the bottomsurface of the basic material 170. The following description isidentical to those of FIG. 4.

A method for manufacturing the touch input device 100 according to thefirst embodiment will hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 6to 13.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the touchinput device 100 according to a first embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIGS. 7 to 13 illustrate methods for manufacturing the touchinput device 100 according to a first embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation S510 forpreparing a first base 110.

The first base 110 may include a metal oxide compound. For example, thefirst base 110 may be a compound including a resin and a metal oxide.Here, the resin may include at least one of: PC (Polycarbonate), PA(Polyamide), and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), andthe metal oxide may include at least one of magnesium (Mg), chrome (Cr),copper (Cu), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al).

The first base 110 may be coated over the basic material (not shown).For example, the first base 110 may be formed by coating the first base110 including a metal compound over one surface (formed of anothermaterial, for example, resin, glass, leather, or the like) of the basicmaterial as necessary. The basic material may have a thickness of 1 mmto 1.5 mm, and the first base 110 may be coated to a thickness ofseveral micrometers (μm) to several tens of micrometers (μm). However,the basic material and the first base 110 may be formed to have variousthicknesses as necessary.

Alternatively, the first base may be incorporated with the basicmaterial. For example, the first base 110 may be formed by injectionmolding.

Differently from the drawings, one surface of the first base 110 may becurved. For example, one surface of the first base 110 may have arecessed curvature as some parts of a spherical surface.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation S510 forfabricating a first pattern groove 111.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first pattern groove 111 may be formed byirradiating laser light (e.g., UV laser or excimer laser) to one surfaceof the first base 110. In this case, heat generated by groove formationmay decompose chemical combination of the metal compound so that themetal compound is reduced into metal, resulting in formation of a metalseed in the first pattern groove 111.

The first pattern groove 111 may be formed over one surface of the firstbase having a curved surface. Since each groove is formed by laserirradiation, it may be possible to form various shapes of patternsirrespective of the surface shape of the first base 110.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation S520 forforming a first sense pattern 120.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first sense pattern 120 may be formed bymetalizing the first pattern groove 111 in which the metal seed isexposed. For example, the first sense pattern 120 may include copper(Cu) plated over the first pattern groove 111. In addition, nickel (Ni)may be plated over the copper (Cu) plating film so as to performanti-oxidation processing.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation S530 forstacking a second base 130. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustratingan operation S540 for fabricating a second pattern groove 131. FIG. 12is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation S550 for forming asecond sense pattern 140.

The second base 130 may be formed of a metal compound, and may be coatedover the first base 110. The second base 130 may be coated to athickness of several micrometers (μm) to several tens of micrometers(μm). However, the second base 130 may be formed to have variousthicknesses as necessary.

Additionally, the fabrication processes shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 areidentical to those of FIGS. 7 to 9, and as such a detailed descriptionthereof will herein be omitted for convenience of description.

Meanwhile, after formation of the second base 130, the process forinvestigating whether the second base 130 has a constant thickness mayfurther be used. In order to measure the thickness of the second base130, laser light, ultrasound, optical elements, and impedance elementsmay be used.

The process for investigating whether the second base 130 has a constantthickness is a process for investigating whether a distance between thefirst sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 is constant oris within the error range, and this process is needed to guarantee atouch performance and productivity.

If the second base 130 has an irregular thickness, the distance betweenthe first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 becomesirregular, such that touch sensitivity may be changed according tocoordinates.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation S570 forstacking an insulation layer 150.

As shown in FIG. 13, the insulation layer 150 may be coated over thesecond base 130 so as to protect the second sense pattern 140 fromexternal impact or pollutants (i.e., contaminants).

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4, the insulation layer 150 may construct atouch surface of the touch unit 10. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5,the other surface of the first base 110 may construct a touch surface ofthe touch unit 10.

Although not shown in the drawings, the method for manufacturing thetouch input device may further include an investigation operation S560for determining whether the touch input device 100 formed by fabricationprocesses of FIGS. 7 to 13 normally operates.

The investigation operation S560 may include providing a current to thefirst and second sense patterns (120, 140); and detecting the change ofmutual capacitance between two sense patterns to determine whether thetwo sense patterns can be used as a sensor. In order to allow the touchinput device 100 to function as a satisfactory product, if mutualcapacitance between the first and second sense patterns (120, 140) ischanged when the input unit contacts the touch unit 10, the changedcapacitance needs to be detected in a manner that the contact (or touch)position of the input unit can be recognized.

In the meantime, the investigation operation S560 may be performed priorto the stacking operation S570 of the insulation layer 150. Becauseconsensus is not obtained in the investigation operation S560 and thesecond sense pattern 140 may be received in the investigation operationS560, the investigation operation S560 may be carried out prior toexecution of the stacking operation S570 of the insulation layer 150.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example 100-1of the touch input device according to the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

As shown in to the modified example 100-1 of the touch input deviceaccording to the first embodiment, some parts of a lower part of thefirst sense pattern 120 may be included in a first pattern groove 111 ofthe first base 110, and some parts of an upper part of the first sensepattern 120 may be included in a lower part of the second base 130.

Some parts of the lower part of the second sense pattern 140 may beincluded in a second pattern groove 131 of the second base 130, and someparts of the upper part of the second sense pattern 140 may be includedin a lower part of the insulation layer 150.

For example, a half of the first sense pattern 120 may be included inthe first pattern groove 111 of the first base 110, and the remaininghalf of the first sense pattern 120 may be included in the lower part ofthe second base 130.

In the meantime, if the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140protrudes from the top surface of the first or second base 110 or 130,this situation may be associated with the first or second sense pattern120 or 140 formed by LDS processing. If the first or second sensepattern 120 or 140 is formed in the first or second pattern groove 111or 131 engraved with laser on one surface of the first or second base110 or 130 using the plating or deposition process, the lower part ofthe first or second sense pattern 120 or 140 may be accommodated in thefirst or second pattern groove 111 or 131 and the upper part of thefirst or second sense pattern 120 or 140 may protrude from the first orsecond pattern groove 111 or 131. That is, a separate planarization(e.g., CMP) process is needed in a manner that one surface of the firstor second sense pattern 120 or 140 can achieve the same plane as onesurface of the first or second base 110 or 130.

Touch sensitivity of the touch input device 100-1 may be changedaccording to the distance between the first sense pattern 120 and thesecond sense pattern 140. The distance between the first sense pattern120 and the second sense pattern 140 is constant in all the touchregions, such that constant touch sensitivity can be achieved in thewhole touch region.

The distance between the first sense pattern 120 and the second sensepattern 140 may be changed according to a stacked thickness of thesecond base 130. The width and depth of each of the first pattern groove111 and the second pattern groove 131 may be maintained constantaccording to characteristics of laser processing. Thickness of the firstsense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 may also bemaintained constant according to characteristics of the plating ordeposition process.

In addition, the method for manufacturing the modified example 100-1 ofthe touch input device according to the first embodiment may furtherinclude investigating whether the second base 130 has a constantthickness before the second base 103 is stacked and the second patterngroove 131 is formed. In this case, it may be possible to investigatewhether a constant thickness is achieved in the overall region of thesecond base 130. If necessary, it may also be possible to investigatewhether a constant thickness is achieved only in the remaining regionother than the outer wall of the second base 130. Through theabove-mentioned process for investigating the thickness of the secondbase 130, touch performance and productivity (or production yield) canbe guaranteed.

The process for investigating the thickness of the second base 130 mayinclude determining whether the distance between the first sense pattern120 and the second sense pattern 140 is constant in the overall region,or determining whether the distance between the first sense pattern 120and the second sense pattern 140 is in the error range.

Meanwhile, differently from the drawings, the second base 130 may beformed to have a curved surface or a sharply broken surface, instead ofhaving a plane. Even when the second base is formed to have a curvedsurface or a broken surface, the thickness of the second base 130 may bemeasured in the same manner as in the above example. Each of the firstsense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 may be configured ina rectangular parallelepiped shape, or in a bar shape, a cross-sectionalview of which is a rectangle shape. In more detail, the width andthickness of a cross-sectional view of the rectangle may be 100 μm and20 μm respectively.

Each of first pattern groove 111 and the second pattern groove 131 mayhave a width of 100 μm and a depth of 10 μm. Therefore, a lower halfpart of the first sense pattern 120 may be inserted into the firstpattern groove 111, and an upper half part of the first sense pattern120 may protrude from the first base 110 by a thickness of 10 μm. Thelower half part of the second sense pattern 140 may be inserted into thesecond pattern groove 131, and the upper half part of the second sensepattern 140 may protrude from the second base 130 by a thickness of 10μm.

The second sense pattern 140 needs to be located within an effectivedistance from the first sense pattern 120. If the second sense pattern140 deviates from the effective distance from the first sense pattern120, touch sensitivity is deteriorated so that it may be difficult toactually use the second sense pattern 140 for commercial purposes. Inthis case, the effective distance between the first sense pattern 120and the second sense pattern 140 may be changed according to thicknessof the first base 110, because the potential change between the userinput unit and the sense patterns (120, 140) is gradually reduced inproportion to the increasing thickness of the first base 110.

The following Table 1 illustrates capacitance changed according to thethickness of the second base 130 when the first base 110 has a thicknessof 1 mm and the user conducts the touch action using his or her finger.As can be seen from the following Table 1, all experimental values arenot displayed, and only representative values are extracted anddisplayed.

TABLE 1 Thickness of Distance between first Second Base and second sensepatterns Capacitance (μm) (μm) (fF) 30 10 −4.096 40 20 −4.004 100 80−3.613 400 380 −2.839 1000 980 −2.241 1300 1280 −2.026 1340 1320 −2.0011350 1330 −1.993 1350 1330 −1.9933

In Table 1, assuming that the second base 130 has a thickness of 1300μm, the actual distance between the first sense pattern 120 and thesecond sense pattern 140 may be 1280 μm, and the measured capacitancemay be −2.026 fF.

Assuming that the second base 130 has a thickness of 1340 μm, the actualdistance between the first sense pattern 120 and the second sensepattern 140 may be 1320 μm, and the measured capacitance may be −2.001fF.

Assuming that the second base 130 has a thickness of 1350 μm, the actualdistance between the first sense pattern 120 and the second sensepattern 140 may be 1330 μm, and the measured capacitance may be −1.993fF.

Therefore, it is expected that the second base 130 has a thickness of1340 to 1350 μm and the measured capacitance may be −2.000 fF. However,because of the presence of technical issues, the second base 130 isgenerally formed to have a thickness of 10 μm in a manufacturingprocess.

Generally, in order to implement commercial availability for a touchpad,it is necessary for the measured capacitance to be less than −2.000 fF(femto Farad). In this case, the thickness of the second base 130 needsto be less than 1350 μm.

The thickness of the second base 130 needs to be larger than 20 μm. Ifthe thickness of the second base 130 is equal to or less than 20 μm, thefirst sense pattern 120 contacts the second sense pattern 140 so thatcapacitance is not generated, because the first sense pattern 120 isformed to protrude from the bottom surface of the second base 130 by athickness of 10 μm and the second sense pattern 140 may be recessed fromthe top surface to the bottom surface of the second base 130 by apredetermined thickness of 10 μm.

Therefore, assuming that the first base 110 has a thickness of 1 mm, thethickness of the second base 130 must be larger than 20 μm or must beless than 1350 μm.

The following Table 2 illustrates capacitance changed according to thethickness of the second base 130 when the first base 110 has a thicknessof 1.5 mm and the user conducts the touch action using his or herfinger. As can be seen from the following Table 2, all experimentalvalues are not displayed, and only representative values are extractedand displayed.

TABLE 2 Thickness of Distance between first Second Base and second sensepatterns Capacitance (μm) (μm) (fF) 30 10 −2.164 40 20 −2.149 60 40−2.167 80 60 −2.955 100 80 −2.095 120 100 −2.059 130 110 −2.056 140 120−1.999 150 130 −1.964

In Table 2, assuming that the second base 130 has a thickness of 130 μm,the actual distance between the first sense pattern 120 and the secondsense pattern 140 may be 110 μm, and the measured capacitance may be−2.026 fF.

Assuming that the second base 130 has a thickness of 140 μm, the actualdistance between the first sense pattern 120 and the second sensepattern 140 may be 120 μm, and the measured capacitance may be −1.999fF.

Assuming that the second base 130 has a thickness of 150 μm, the actualdistance between the first sense pattern 120 and the second sensepattern 140 may be 130 μm, and the measured capacitance may be −1.964fF.

Generally, in order to implement commercial availability for a touchpad,it is necessary for the measured capacitance to be less than −2.000fF(femto Farad). In this case, the thickness of the second base 130needs to be less than 140 μm.

The thickness of the second base 130 needs to be larger than 20 μm. Ifthe thickness of the second base 130 is equal to or less than 20 μm, thefirst sense pattern 120 contacts the second sense pattern 140 so thatcapacitance is not generated, because the first sense pattern 120 isformed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the second base 130by a thickness of 10 μm and the second sense pattern 140 may be recesseddownward from the top surface of the second base 130 by a predeterminedthickness of 10 μm.

Therefore, assuming that the first base 110 has a thickness of 1.5 mm,the thickness of the second base 130 must be larger than 20 μm and mustbe less than 140 μm.

Meanwhile, a maximum thickness of the second base 130 is linearlyreduced in proportion to the increasing thickness of the first base 110,such that a maximum allowable thickness Y (μm) of the second base 140when the first base 110 has a thickness of X mm can be recognized.

Y μm=−1200 μm* 2(X mm−1.0 mm)/1 mm+1350 μm

In other words, assuming that the first base 110 has a thickness of Xmm, the thickness of the second base 130 must be larger than 20 μm andmust be less than Y μm.

In addition, the range of a thickness (X) of the first base 110 may bedenoted by 0 mm<<1.55 mm. A minimum thickness of the first base may bedetermined to be larger than the depth of a recessed part of the firstsense pattern 120. For example, assuming that the first sense patter 120is recessed from the top surface to the bottom surface of the first base110 by a thickness of 10 μm, a minimum thickness of the first base 110must be larger than 10 μm.

A maximum thickness of the first base 110 may be determined using thecondition indicating that a maximum allowable thickness of the secondbase 140 is larger than 20 μm. If the first base 110 has a thickness (X)of 1.55 mm, a maximum allowable thickness (Y) of the second base 130 maybe 19 μm according to the above-mentioned equation. The above-mentionedexample has disclosed that the second base 130 has a thickness of 20 μmor greater. Accordingly, the thickness (X) of the first base 110 must beless than 1.55 mm.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch input device 101according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 15, the touch input device 102 according to the secondembodiment may include a base 110-1; a first pattern groove 111 formedover one surface of the base 110-1; a second pattern groove 112 formedover a back surface of the base 110-1; a first sense pattern 120 platedor deposited over the first pattern groove 111; a second sense pattern140 plated or deposited over the second pattern groove 112; a firstinsulation layer 150-1 coated over one surface of the base 110-1; and asecond insulation layer 150-2 coated over the other surface of the base110-1. In this case, at least one of the first insulation layer 150-1and the second insulation layer 150-2 may be omitted as necessary.

The touch input device 101 according to the second embodiment may formthe first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 over bothsurfaces of the base, respectively. That is, since only one base 110-1is used to form a double-layered sense pattern, the touch input device100 becomes thinner in thickness, resulting in implementation of a slimproduct design.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example 101-1of the touch input device according to the second embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

As shown the modified example 101-1 of the touch input device accordingto the second embodiment, some parts of a lower part of the first sensepattern 120 may be included in the first pattern groove 111 of the base110-1, and some parts of an upper part of the first sense pattern 120may protrude from the top surface of the base 110-1.

Some parts of the upper part of the second sense pattern 140 may beincluded in the second pattern groove 112 of the base 110-1, and someparts of the lower part of the second sense pattern 140 may protrudefrom the bottom surface of the base 110-1.

For example, a half of the first sense pattern 120 may be included inthe first pattern groove 111 of the base 110-1, and the remaining halfof the first sense pattern 120 may protrude from the top surface of thebase 110-1. A half of the second sense pattern 140 may be included inthe second pattern groove 112 of the base 110-1, and the remaining halfof the second sense pattern 140 may protrude from the bottom surface ofthe base 110-1.

In the meantime, if the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140protrudes from the top or bottom surface of the base 110-1, thissituation may be associated with the first or second sense pattern 120or 140 formed by LDS processing. If the first or second sense pattern120 or 140 is formed in the first or second pattern groove 111 or 112engraved with laser light on both surfaces of the base 110-1 using theplating or deposition process, some parts of the first or second sensepattern 120 or 140 may be accommodated in the first or second patterngroove 111 or 112, and the remaining parts of the first or second sensepattern 120 or 140 may protrude from the first or second pattern groove111 or 112. That is, a separate planarization (e.g., CMP) process isneeded in a manner that one surface of the first or second sense pattern120 or 140 can achieve the same plane as one surface of the base 110-1.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the touchinput device 101 according to a second embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 16, the method for manufacturing the touch input device101 according to the second embodiment may include: preparing for (S600)the base 110-1; fabricating (S610) the first pattern groove 111 over onesurface of the base 110-1; fabricating (S620) the second pattern groove112 over the back surface of the base 110-1 by turning over the base110-1; forming (S630) the first sense pattern 120 by plating ordepositing over the first sense pattern 120 over the first patterngroove 111; forming (S640) the second sense pattern 140 by plating ordepositing the second sense pattern 140 over the second pattern groove112; stacking (S660) the first insulation layer 150-1 over one surfaceof the base 110-1 so as to protect the first sense pattern 120; andstacking (S670) the second insulation layer 150-2 over the other surfaceof the base 110-1 so as to protect the second sense pattern 140.

Alternatively, the fabrication operation S610 for fabricating the firstpattern groove 111 over one surface of the base 110-1 and the otherfabrication operation S620 for fabricating the second pattern grooveover the back surface of the base 110-1 may be simultaneously orsuccessively carried out. In addition, the plating or depositionoperation S630 of the first sense pattern 120 and the plating ordeposition process S640 of the second sense pattern 140 may also besimultaneously or successively carried out.

In addition, the investigation operation S650 for determining whetherthe first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 arenormally operated may be carried out prior to the stacking operations(S660, S670) of the first and second coating layers 150.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch input device 102according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 18, the touch input device 102 according to the thirdembodiment may include: a base 110-2; first and second pattern grooves(111, 112) formed over one surface of the base 110-2; a first sensepattern 120 plated over the first pattern groove 111; a second sensepattern 140 plated over the second pattern groove 112; and an insulationlayer 150 coated over one surface of the base 110-2.

The touch input device 102 according to the third embodiment may formthe first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 over onesurface of the base 110-2. That is, since only one base 110-2 is used toform a double-layered sense pattern, the touch input device 103 becomesthinner in thickness, resulting in implementation of a slim productdesign.

The first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 are notconnected to each other and may be spaced apart from each other by apredetermined distance. The first sense pattern 120 and the second sensepattern 140 may be formed not to cross each other. Each pattern may beformed in various shapes. For example, United States Patent PublicationNo. 2015-0234492 discloses a plurality of patterns formed over only onesurface.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example 102-1of the touch input device according to the third embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

As shown in the modified example 102-1 of the touch input deviceaccording to the third embodiment, some parts of a lower part of thefirst or second sense pattern 120 or 140 may be included in the first orsecond pattern groove 111 or 112 of the base 110-2, and some parts of anupper part of the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140 may protrudefrom the top surface of the base 110-2.

For example, a half of the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140 maybe included in the first or second pattern groove 111 or 112 of the base110-2, and the remaining half of the first or second sense pattern 120or 140 may protrude from the top surface of the base 110-2.

In the meantime, if the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140protrudes from the top surface of the base 110-2, this situation may beassociated with the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140 formed byLDS processing. If the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140 isformed in the first or second pattern groove 111 or 112 engraved withlaser light on one surface of the base 110-2 using the plating ordeposition process, some parts of the first or second sense pattern 120or 140 may be accommodated in the first or second pattern groove 111 or112, and the remaining parts of the first or second sense pattern 120 or140 may protrude from the first or second pattern groove 111 or 112.That is, a separate planarization (e.g., CMP) process is needed in amanner that one surface of the first or second sense pattern 120 or 140can achieve the same plane as one surface of the base 110-2. FIG. 20 isa flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the touch inputdevice 102 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 20, the method for manufacturing the touch input device102 according to the third embodiment may include: preparing for (S700)the base 110-2; fabricating (S710) the first pattern groove 111 and thesecond pattern groove 112 over one surface of the base 110-2; forming(S720) the first sense pattern 120 by plating or depositing the firstsense pattern 120 over the first pattern groove 111; forming (S730) thesecond sense pattern 140 by plating or depositing the second sensepattern 140 over the second pattern groove 112; and stacking (S750) theinsulation layer 150 over one surface of the base 110-2 so as to protectthe first and second sense patterns (120, 140).

The investigation operation S740 for determining whether the first sensepattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 are normally operated maybe carried out prior to execution of the stacking operation (S750) ofthe insulation layer 150.

FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating sense patterns of the touch inputdevice 103 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 21, the touch input device 103 according to the fourthembodiment may include a first sense pattern 120 (120-1, 120-2) formedin the first pattern groove 111 (see FIG. 16) formed at one surface ofthe base 110-3, and a second sense pattern 140 (140-1, 140-2) formed inthe second pattern groove 112 (see FIG. 16) formed at one surface of thebase 110-3.

Each of the first sense pattern 120 and the second sense pattern 140 mayinclude a plurality of columns. A column of one first sense pattern 120and a column of one second sense pattern 140 adjacent to the first sensepattern 120 may form a single channel, and columns of the plurality offirst and second sense patterns (120, 140) may form a plurality ofchannels.

For example, the first sense pattern 120 may include the (n-1)-th firstsense pattern 120-1 and the n-th first sense pattern 120-2. The secondsense pattern 140 may include not only the (n-1)-th second sense pattern140-1 adjacent to the (n-1)-th first sense pattern 120-1, but also then-th second sense pattern 140-2 adjacent to the n-th first sense pattern120-2.

The first sense pattern 120 may include a trunk part 121 extending inone direction and a plurality of leg parts 122 branched in a directionperpendicular to the trunk part 121. The second sense pattern 140 mayinclude a trunk part 141 extending in one direction and a plurality ofleg parts 142 branched in a direction perpendicular to the trunk part141. The leg parts 122 of the first sense pattern 120 and the leg parts142 of the second sense pattern 140 may be arranged to face each other.The leg parts 142 of the plurality of second sense patterns 140 may bedisposed between the leg parts 122 of the plurality of first sensepatterns 120.

The touch input device 103 may include a ground line 160 disposedbetween the respective channels. Although not shown in the drawings, theground line 160 may be provided in the ground pattern groove (not shown)formed at one surface of the base 110-3. The ground pattern groove maybe formed by irradiating laser light, and the ground line 160 may beformed by the plating or deposition process.

That is, the ground line 160 may be formed using the same LDS scheme asin the first and second sense patterns (120, 140). In addition, theground pattern groove may be formed by the same process as in the firstand second pattern grooves (111, 112), and the ground line 160 may beformed by the same process as in the first and second sense patterns(120, 140).

The ground line 160 may be a ground (GND) electrode line. The groundline 160 may prevent occurrence of noise between adjacent channels. Forexample, the ground line 160 may prevent delivery of noise between the(n-1)-th first sense pattern 120-1 and the n-th second sense pattern140-2.

The ground line 160 may be disposed between the first sense pattern 120and the second sense patter 140 of different channels. For example, theground line 160 may be arranged between the (n-1)-th first sense pattern120-1 and the n-th second sense pattern 140-2. The ground line 160 mayextend in a direction parallel to one direction along which the trunkparts (121, 141) of the first and second sense patterns (120, 140) areelongated.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating one example of a surface of a nonzeroGaussian curvature to which a touch input device is mounted according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

The surface of nonzero Gaussian curvature may indicate a curved surface,Gaussian curvature of which is not zero. Alternatively, the surface ofnonzero Gaussian curvature may also indicate a curved surface includingat least two different curvatures. In FIG. 22, as an example of thesurface of nonzero Gaussian curvature, FIG. 22(a) illustrates an exampleof a spherical surface, and FIG. 22(b) illustrates an example of asaddle-shaped surface.

The scope or spirit of the touch input device according to theembodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the shapes of thesense patterns (120, 140), and the touch input device may be installedat the surface of nonzero Gaussian curvature.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a vehicle's door trim (a) to which atouch input device is mounted according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The door trim (a) of the vehicle is formed in a complicated shapeincluding the surface of nonzero Gaussian curvature or the singlecurvature surface, and the vehicle driver can easily approach the doortrim (a), such that various manipulation devices may be installed in thedoor trim (a). Although not shown in the drawings, the touch inputdevice according to the embodiment may be installed at the door trim (a)of the vehicle.

As is apparent from the above description, the touch input deviceaccording to the embodiments is manufactured using Laser DirectingStructuring (LDS), such that the fabrication process is simplified andthe production costs can be reduced.

In addition, the touch input device according to the embodiments caneasily form the sense pattern even when a touch unit is formed to have acurved surface. Specifically, the touch input device can also form thesense pattern even when the touch unit is configured to have a doublecurved surface.

In addition, the touch input device according to the embodiments doesnot apply the adhesive or bonding process to a process of forming thesense pattern over a base, such that the touch input device can beprotected from vibration or impact, resulting in increased durabilitythereof.

In addition, the touch input device according to the embodiments ismanufactured under a high-heat condition based on laser light, such thatproduct reliability can be increased even when products are used at hightemperature.

In addition, one or more sense patterns may be directly formed in aninjection-molded material, resulting in increased durability.

In addition, one or more sense patterns are formed in various shapes ofan injection-molded material or in various types of an injection-moldedmaterial, such that the region to which a touch input device is appliedcan extend in size.

Although a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown anddescribed, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatchanges may be made in these embodiments without departing from theprinciples and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is definedin the claims and their equivalents.

1.-21. (canceled)
 22. A touch input apparatus comprising: a first baseincluding a first metal compound; a first pattern groove formed over onesurface of the first base; a first sense pattern formed over the firstpattern groove and including a conductive material; a second basestacked over the first base, and configured to include a second metalcompound; a second pattern groove formed over one surface of the secondbase; a second sense pattern formed over the second pattern groove,including a conductive material, and spaced apart from the first sensepattern; and a line unit connecting the first sense pattern and thesecond sense pattern to an integrated-circuit, wherein a lower part ofthe first sense pattern is accommodated in the first pattern grooveformed over a front surface of the base and an upper part of the firstsense pattern protrude from the surface of the first base, a lower partof the second sense pattern is accommodated in the second pattern grooveformed over the surface of the base, and an upper part of the secondsense pattern protrudes from the surface of the second base, the firstbase is formed to have a thickness of X mm; the second base is formed tohave a thickness of Y mm; and the thicknesses of the first base and thesecond base satisfy the following equation 1,0<X+Y<5.32 mm  [Equation 1]
 23. The touch input apparatus according toclaim 22, wherein: the thicknesses of the first base and the second basesatisfy the following equation 2,0<X<1.55 mm, and 0<Y<3.77 mm  [Equation 2]
 24. The touch input apparatusaccording to claim 22, wherein: the thicknesses of the first base andthe second base satisfy the following equation 3,2.42X+Y<3.77 mm  [Equation 3]
 25. The touch input apparatus according toclaim 22, wherein: the first sense pattern and the second sense patternare perpendicular to each other on the basis of the second baseinterposed therebetween.
 26. The touch input apparatus according toclaim 22, further comprising: the integrated-circuit configured toreceive signals regarding capacitance of the first sense pattern and thesecond sense pattern so as to interpret an input touch signal.
 27. Thetouch input apparatus according to claim 26, wherein: the first sensepattern includes a plurality of columns; the second sense patternincludes a plurality of columns perpendicular to the first sense patternon the basis of the second base interposed between the first and secondsense patterns; and the controller is configured to interpret the inputtouch signal through capacitance information received from a pluralityof intersection parts at which the first sense pattern and the secondsense pattern are formed to cross each other.
 28. The touch inputapparatus according to claim 22, wherein each of the first and secondbases includes: a resin including at least one of: Polycarbonate (PC),Polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS); anda metal oxide including at least one of: magnesium (Mg), chrome (Cr),copper (Cu), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al).29. The touch input apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the firstbase is coated over a surface formed of resin material, glass, orleather.
 30. The touch input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein: ahalf of the first sense pattern is accommodated in the first patterngroove, and the remaining half of the first sense pattern protrudes fromone surface of the first base; and a half of the second sense pattern isaccommodated in the second pattern groove, and the remaining half of thesecond sense pattern protrudes from one surface of the second base. 31.The touch input apparatus according to claim 22, wherein: the firstsense pattern protrudes from one surface of the first base by athickness of 10 μm, and the second sense pattern is recessed from onesurface of the second base by a thickness of 10 μm.
 32. The touch inputapparatus according to claim 22, wherein: each of the first sensepattern and the second sense pattern is integrated with the line unit.33. The touch input apparatus according to claim 32, wherein: the firstbase is formed to extend to a region in which the line unit is provided.